Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1887-09-16
DIED..

On Saturday evening at ii o'clock,
at the residence of her law,
Judge Cothren, Marie Antoinette Pull
ford, aged 80 years lacking a few days.
Deceased was the mother of r. d.
Pulford, Rev. Samuel Decatur Pulford,
Mrs. Cobb, relict of Geo. w. Cobb, de-
ceased, and Mrs. Esther NJ, wife of NJ.
M. Cothren. She was a woman who ex-
ercised the pure Christian virtues in a
most eminent degree. 1t is believed
that no living person ever heard her
speak harshly to or of another. Such
wonderful control had her religion
gained over the natural promptings Of
the human heart that the most perfect
propriety and decorum accompanied
her every act and word 1t was not
stoicism or Indifference. No warmer
heart ever beat in the cause of suffering
humanity than throbbed in her bosom.
Her belief in blessed Immortality sus-
tanned her above repining when visited
with the most terrible Affections of loss
CT husband and children. One of the
purest and best Christian women that
ever lived has gone home. She died
as she had lived, at peace with all of
the world. She died as her well spent
life indicated that she ought to die.
Without pain, without struggle, with
no apprehensions concerning the flu
ture, she passed away leaving behind a
memory whose perfume stands un-
rivaled by the fragrant and lovely
flowers that were tenderly and affec-
tionately placed upon her grave in the
presence of the many sympathizing
friends who awaited themselves of the
last opportunity on earth of testifying
their appreciation of the many virtues
of the departed.
The funeral services were held at
Trinity church on Monday afternoon,
and the rector, Rev. NJ. Chase, delivered
the following address:
A beautiful old age, a perfect and
rounded life stretching score of years
beyond the appointed time of man,
the life of one whose children rise up
and bless her, the life of one who was
true to herself, to her fellowmen and
to her God, is the vision that rises be-
fore us at this time. st. Paul, speak
ing of his conversion, says: 81 was not
disobedient unto the heavenly vision"
and may we not say that the vision of
this life which has just closed upon
earth is one of those heavenly visions
to which we should not be disobedient.
Obedience here means true parent
true in the highest sense, in training
up the child in the nurture and admo-
milton of the Lord. And the church
to-day thanks God for this training,
as for years it has been strengthened
and aided by the loving ministry of
priest, layman and christian mothers
and daughters. Obedience here means
loving and loyal service to Christ
through all these long years. 1t was
faith which faults and unfaithfulness
of other christians could not chill
1t was a love never foiled by the un-
worthiness of others in the changes and
chances of human friendship. Some
lose their love and trust and hope as
they grow old; but here was one who
kept them all fresh to the last. Some
cease to have strong convictions and
grow cynical and careless; here was one
who believed more, not less as she knew
more of God-of herself, and of the
world. We are sure that hers was " the
old age" God loves to see; and to such
is Gods promise to David fulfilled
"with long life will 1 satisfy him and
show him my salvation" Need ado
more than this, inasmuch as the vision
OF this life-beautiful and heavenly
comes to us in the hours of sadnes,
and lonliness; and through our obedi
ence to it comes the strong faith in tn.
glorious promises of God. Then ",
walk by faith, and we see the spirl
of all such in joy and felicity, and W,
thank God for these examples of faith
and long and pray that we may hay,
our portion in that day
when mornings joy shall end the night Of
And lies long shadow. break in eloudle.